Hi Jeff,

Probably won't help you feel any better but honing without knowing what you're doing is similar to just beating the razor with a hammer.

I suggest you send the razor out to be honed and request some feedback on what the problem is. Learn to hone from someone nearby.

If you feel like sending the razor my way, you can.

Buy another shave ready razor to practice on and don't go lower than 8k, ever.